Packaging with radio-frequency authentication system for packaged product

ABSTRACT

A product with packaging includes an envelope having a cavity. An NFC chip may be embedded in the packaging. The NFC chip may be passive, and may connect to the electronic device of the specific user, and once connected may initiate or carry out an authentication process or activation process.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to retail packaging. Moreparticularly, the present embodiments relate to “smart” packaging usingcommunication systems such as near field communication (“NFC”) in orderto provide automatic activation, authentication, etc., when a user opensthe packaging.

BACKGROUND

Connected or “smart” packaging may include certain sensors orcommunication tools to track packages in transit, or provide additionalinformation about a product to a consumer (e.g., through a digitalapplication or visual display). Such tools simply provide information.They do not take part in activation, authentication, etc., of a productwhen a user opens or receives the packaging.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments include packaging, such as an envelope or box.

As an envelope, the packaging may include an opening or cavity that maycontain a product that requires or benefits from activation prior to use(e.g., a gift card, credit card, membership card, or other suitableproduct). A data chip (e.g., an RFID chip, which may be an NFC chip,etc.) may be embedded within the packaging, or affixed to a surface ofthe packaging (either interior or exterior), and can be used inconjunction with a user's personal electronic device to activate theproduct contained in the packaging.

In the case of a passive data chip (e.g., one that is temporarilypowered as needed wirelessly by another device in proximity to the chip)such as a passive NFC chip, for example, if a user's personal electronicdevice such as a mobile phone with an NFC transceiver is within range,the electronic device may recognize the NFC chip, and initialize theauthentication or activation of the product via the electronic deviceautomatically. Advantageously, no outward searching function (e.g., ofan active NFC chip) is needed.

The packaging may be formed of different materials than the product(e.g., the packaging may be formed of a cellulose-based material and theproduct may be formed of or include a plastic and/or metallic material).For example, the packaging may be made entirely from recyclablematerial, for example from paper, molded fiber, corrugated cardboard,etc. In some embodiments, all or some of the packaging may be made frompolymeric materials. In any event, the packaging may be formed fromradio-transmissive materials. The packaging may include additional spaceto receive a second product that does not require authentication oractivation.

In some embodiments, the packaging may take the form of an envelope,particularly composed of layered panels. Within the stack-up of thelayered panels, a receiving passage may be formed such that the datachip is concealed flatly within a panel of the packaging. This providesprotection for the chip, aesthetic relief in the panel, and—in the caseof a card product for example—provides for a smooth insertion of theproduct along a flat plane of the envelope. An additional shippingpackage may be provided (such as a corrugated paper envelope having atear-strip) that the finished goods package (e.g., the envelope) isshipped to an end user in to protect the finished goods package.

Advantageously, this improves upon prior systems having, for example,manual authentication or activation that may provide a more difficultcustomer experience. In contrast to prior systems that require a user tomanually telephone an activation line, or manually navigate to awebsite, the customer experience is improved by removing thoseimpediments to authentication or activation. By designing smart,connected packaging that automatically authenticates or activates apackaged product with minimal impact to the user, efficiency is improvedalong with the user experience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a packaging system with a card product.

FIG. 2 shows a finished goods package in the form of an envelope asshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of the finished goods package shown inFIG. 2.

FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional schematic view taken along line 3B-3B ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 4A shows an open configuration of the packaging system with theenvelope being placed into a shipping package.

FIG. 4B shows a closed configuration showing the shipping package beingclosed.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of a packaging and an electronicdevice shown in, with the packaging being opened and the data chipcommunicating with the electronic device.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of the packaging and electronicdevice shown in, with the packaging being opened and the data chipcommunicating with the electronic device, and electronic devicecommunicating with a server.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodimentsillustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood thatthe following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments toone preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included withinthe spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by theappended claims.

Product packaging is an integral part of a customer's experience. Itintroduces the customer to their product, and can affect the customer'sfeelings toward the product and the company that created it. Seamlesspackaging that allows for an individual to automatically authenticate oractivate products—removing any barriers to their use—may be particularlydesirable.

In the same vein, companies may be sensitive to the cost of packagingand may wish to promote packaging that is eco-friendly. Certainpackaging materials are higher cost due to their processing, and whileengineers may be able to design single-component packaging, the cost maybe prohibitive for certain materials. Optimization of packaging inmaterial usage may help keep costs low, and if done well may notinterfere with, and may promote, a positive user experience. Packagingmade out of recyclable and/or biodegradable materials, such as paper orother cellulose-based products, can reduce environmental impact.Packaging that is interesting in character and that enhances a user'sinitial experience with the product that it contains may boost aproduct's or a brand's reputation, thereby attracting new customers andretaining previous customers.

Packaging described in this document achieves these and other beneficialcharacteristics by balancing smart connectivity and efficiency,structural robustness, eco-friendly materials, and aesthetic elements.

The packaging may be retail packaging (i.e., finished packaging forcontaining and conveying a product to a user such as may be used in aretail setting or a finished goods package that may be shipped to acustomer within an outer shipping package) that one may expect to findon the shelf in a retail store, and which one may open after purchase todirectly access their product. A product contained by the packaging maybe, for example, a credit card, gift card, membership card or the like;or an electronic device such as, for example, a laptop, tablet computer,or smartphone.

The packaged product may be desirable to authenticate, or it may requireactivation (e.g., a credit card or a gift card). Authentication oractivation may be initiated by an authorized user. The packaging mayinclude electronics such as an NFC chip that may communicate with theuser's electronic device in order to carry out the authentication oractivation function. For example, some of the required electronics tocommunicate with electronic device for authentication or activation maybe housed within the packaging and not the product. Advantageously, thisallows for added space and efficiency within the product such thatelectronics that are only used for authentication are not containedwithin the product. This is especially beneficial for products withsmall design footprints, or if a product requires a one -time-onlyactivation or authentication.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to theaccompanying figures. However, those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect tothese figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not beconstrued as limiting.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of packaging system 10 includingproduct 100, finished goods packaging 200, and shipping package 300. InFIGS. 1 and 2 packaging 200 is shown as a bi-fold envelopeconfiguration, and includes authentication electronics such as a datachip 214 (shown in FIG. 3A in an exploded view), for example a passivedata chip 214. Data chip 214 may be a data tag that includes a chipportion and an antenna portion. Product 100 may be a card product suchas a credit card. Product 100 may include longitudinal surfaces 104 andtransverse surfaces 103 defining the general perimeter of the planarsurface of the card product. Product 100 may include an additional chip102 that is not used in authentication or activation of theproduct—instead it may be tied to an account such that the card productmay be used, for example, for drawing credit against a user's account ina credit and/or banking system.

As will be appreciated with reference to the figures, product 100 may beinserted into receiving portion 206 of packaging 200. Retaining panel208 may extend over receiving portion 206 product 100 to help retainproduct 100 when product 100 is disposed inside a pocket formed by alower surface of receiving portion 206. The embossed edge 210 maysimilarly engage product 100 when product 100 is disposed in packaging200. As shown in FIG. 2 for example, packaging 200 may generally have abi-fold configuration having first panel 204 where product 100 isretained. Packaging 200 may fold about folding portion 212 to be closedby the opposing second panel 202.

In turn, shipping package 300 may receive packaging 200 in receivingportion 306, sized to snugly hold packaging 200 therein (see FIGS. 4Aand 4B, for example). A panel 302 of shipping package 300 may fold overand close on a panel 304 of shipping package 300, being attached by anadhesive 308, such as an adhesive strip, hot melt glue, or the like.When closed, a tear strip 310 may be removed by the user to open panel302 and remove packaging 200.

Returning to FIG. 3A, an exploded view of packaging 200 is shown. Insome embodiments, packaging 200 includes a plurality of layers laminatedtogether (e.g., using high-frequency welding of a coating between paperpanels. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, packaging 200, packaging 200 may beconfigured as an upper panel including a surface of opposing secondpanel 202 first panel 204, and retaining panel 208. Frame panel 216 may“sandwich” at least a portion of a data chip 214 between the frame panel216 and an opposite surface of first panel 204 (e.g., antenna 215 ofchip 214 may be so sandwiched). In turn, frame panel 216 is “sandwiched”by the opposing surface of first panel 204 and the panel making up thelower surface of receiving portion 206. In this way, panel 204 andportion 206 may be bonded to panel 216. Additionally, panel 202 andpanel 220 are also bonded together. Internal perimeter 218 may define anopening and coact with the lower panel to serve as a receiving portion.The placement shown in the FIGS. of data chip 214 is not limiting, andit may be disposed in various acceptable places, e.g., towards thecenter of the envelope, an upper portion, or other suitable space forits disposal.

In some embodiments, a pocket, slot, opening, or other relief feature226 may receive at least a portion of data chip 214 in between panels204 and portion 206. This achieves two goals—protecting data chip 214,and also keeping a flat configuration such that neither panel 204 norportion 206 includes any bulge or protrusion showing the underlying datachip 214. In some embodiments, relief feature 226 may be in one or moreof the panels, and the location of the same is flexible. The chipportion 217 of data chip 214 may have a thickness greater than athickness of antenna 215, which may be essentially flat such that it maybe laminated directly between two adjacent panels. Data chip 214 may beaffixed to one or more of the panels, e.g., through an adhesive,polyethylene backer, or other securing means. In some embodiments,antenna 215 may be, for example, a conductive metal trace such ascopper, aluminum, silver, etc. In some embodiments, data chip 214 (e.g.,an NFC chip) or its antenna may be directly printed on a paper or othercellulose substrate, such as one of the panels (e.g., in copper, silver,aluminum, or other metallic traces as an ink).

In some embodiments, data chip 214 is passive (e.g., a passive NFCchip), and does not require receiving data to operate as intended. Itcan be energized (e.g., powered) wirelessly from a device in closeproximity to it (e.g., a personal electronic device with an NFC reader),which can then receive data from data chip 214. Additionally, othermodes of powering on and activating data chip 214 are contemplated, forexample interacting with a particular feature of the packaging. Whilediscussed generally with the relation to NFC technology, other modes ofdata and energy transmission are contemplated, such as different radiofrequency (RF) schemes like RFID, Bluetooth, acoustic, Wi-Fi, or othermodes of data and energy transmission. In some embodiments, thedata/energy transmission may not require a power source. In otherembodiments, the packaging may include an active data chip (e.g., anactive NFC chip) that includes a data chip and power source (e.g., abattery such as a micro-battery). When the packaging is opened, the datachip may be powered on and begin searching for an electronic device tocarry out an authentication function, an activation function, or thelike. Additional details of such systems may be found in co-pending U.S.App. 62/732,740, filed Sep. 18, 2018, incorporated herein by referencein its entirety for all purposes.

Packaging 200 or shipping package 300 may be made fromradio-transmissive materials, for example cellulose-based materials,wood materials, nonmetallic polymer materials, etc. By using radiotransmissive materials for packaging 200, communication from data chip214 is made easier (especially, for example, if a product 100 is madefrom metallic materials, such as a metal card shaped product, such as acredit card). In some embodiments, (e.g., where packaging 200 mayinclude less relatively radio transmissive materials or non-radiotransmissive materials) packaging 200 may be provided with aradiofrequency (RF) transparent feature, such as an aperture or antennawindow such that data chip 214 may communicate through packaging 200.

As previously discussed, the packaging components may be composed of arecyclable material (e.g., a biodegradable or compostable material). Ifand when the customer opts to dispose of the packaging, because thepackaging is recyclable or cellulose-based, the packaging may simply berecycled without requiring material separation (e.g., in a single-streamrecycling program). In some embodiments, any electronics associated withpackaging system 10 may be removed from the packaging prior torecycling.

Returning to the automatic activation and authentication features, insome embodiments, data chip 214 may be preprogrammed to allow theinitiation of activation authentication processes only when certaincriteria are met (e.g., initiation is triggered by a particular targetuser).

For example, a user may order a new credit card from a company. Thecompany may prepare a credit card (product 100; see, e.g., FIG. 5) forthat particular user. The credit card may be packaged within packaging200 including data chip 214. At this point the credit card is notactive, and cannot be used. Data chip 214 may be preprogrammed with datarepresenting at least identification information for the particular cardcontained within the packaging, destined for the particular user. Thedata on data chip 214 may be encrypted or otherwise protected such thatits information is not discoverable by unauthorized users.

The user's personal electronic device 40 may already be associated withthe user's unique account (e.g., from the user's prior use of or accessto the account using their personal electronic device). When the userreceives their credit card packaged within packaging 200, the user maybring their personal electronic device 40 within the range of a datachip reader of their personal electronic device. When data chip 214 iswithin such range, it may send the data representing identificationinformation for the particular card to the personal electronic device40. The personal electronic device may communicate with a remote serverof the company to determine if the unique account on the user's personalelectronic device 40 matches an account of the intended recipient of thecredit card. If so, server may activate the credit card (or send asignal to the personal electronic device that initiates an activationprocess on the device).

Otherwise, activation of the credit card will not occur, and anactivation process will not be initiated.

In some embodiments, data chip 214 may be preprogrammed with datarepresenting at least two pieces of information: (1) identificationinformation for the particular card contained within the packaging,destined for the particular user; and (2) identification information foran account of the particular user. The latter information can be used toserve a gateway function, e.g., causing another step to trigger ondevice 40 such as a user interface displaying options for authenticationand activation. In some embodiments, there may be a visual indicator onthe packaging 200 such as an icon to indicate active packagingfunctionality. In some embodiments the visual indicator may includeinstructions, such as “To activate, wake device and hold below.” Thevisual indicator may be proximate or on top of where data chip 214 islocated such that the user will be prompted to bring the packagingproximate the electronic device. When data chip 214 is brought withinrange of a personal electronic device 40, data chip 214 may send toelectronic device 40 only the identification information for the accountof the particular user. If this account information does not match orotherwise correspond acceptably to account information associated withthe electronic device 40 (as determined either by data chip 214 or byelectronic device 40 itself), activation of the credit card will notoccur, and an activation process will not be initiated. In someembodiments, a second authentication may be required either before,after, or in parallel to the first authentication using a data chip. Forexample, a biometric recognition step may be required as a secondauthentication, e.g., a fingerprint authentication, facial recognitionauthentication, voice authentication, or other biometric authenticationmay be required in order for the product to be activated orauthenticated.

More specifically, in a passive system, the an NFC chip acts as a typeof signal signpost, such that no active reception or signal searching isrequired; it only broadcasts outward to electronic devices having NFCreceivers. So when data chip 214 is associated with a particular targetuser account, if a device not associated with a specific user is broughtnear a receiver that does not belong to that specific user, either noaction will be taken, or a generic action will be taken (e.g., opening ageneric product website, for example, or alerting the company orindividual that a non-target user has brought the data chip 214 within anon-target receiver's range).

Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, data chip 214 may bepreprogrammed to begin activation or authentication processes on anyelectronic device that is associated with a user account that is in turnassociated with a purchase of a product of the particular type containedwithin packaging 200 (which product 100 may be awaiting activation orauthentication). If a product is fungible but still requires activation,e.g., in the case of a cash card, this allows data chip 214 to identifya corresponding electronic device 40 that belongs to a person that has averified order for the fungible product. In this way, electronic device40 may interface with a company's (e.g., the seller of the product)logistics platform, such that information about product 100 may beshared with an appropriate electronic device 40. Once the product 100 isauthenticated or activated, electronic device 40 may communicate withthe logistics platform to inform the company that the order is complete.Similarly, in an active chip configuration, electronic device 40 maycommunicate to an active data chip 214 and disable any further attemptsat activation or authentication.

In the case of a non-fungible product, e.g., such as a credit card for aparticular target user that requires activation, data chip 214 maybroadcast a signal specific to the account associated with the card, orthe user associated with the card, for example. In this way, electronicdevice 40 that receives the signal may communicate or interface with acompany's (e.g., the seller of the product) logistics platform, suchthat information about product 100 may be shared with an only anappropriate electronic device 40 tied to the target user of the card.Once the product 100 is authenticated or activated, electronic device 40may communicate with the logistics platform to inform the company thatthe order is complete. If the data chip is active, rather than passive,electronic device 40 may communicate to data chip 214 and disable anyfurther attempts at activation or authentication.

Electronic device 40—for example a user's mobile phone, tablet, smartwatch, laptop, desktop, etc.—includes a body 400 that may houseelectronics of electronic device 40, and generally may include a screen402, for example a touchscreen (or other user interface). For certainproducts, such as a credit card, activation and authentication wouldpreviously have been accomplished by manually calling a telephonenumber, manually navigating to and typing in information at website, orvia an application-based process where the user manually authenticatesthemselves in some manner and then confirms the card is in theirpossession. The user may be prompted to start this process by followinginstructions written on a sticker applied to the credit card. Whilemanual authentication options such as one of these that would allow forother modes of activation or authentication may be useful and may beincluded in some embodiments as a fallback option, FIGS. 5 and 6 showsan example of how this manual process is initially avoided.

In some embodiments, if the packaging system 10 or packaging 200 is inan unopened state, it may be such that no automatic activation orauthentication has been or will be performed with reference to anyproduct contained within packaging system 10—e.g., by disabling datachip 214. However, in the case of a passive data chip configured toproduce at least two functions at different electronic devices (i.e.,target and non-target devices), no such disabling is necessary as thechip is already effectively disabled when brought proximate a non-targetelectronic device.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of packaging 200 (with product100) and electronic device 40. Data chip 214 of packaging 200 is showncommunicating with electronic device 40, for example through an NFCtransceiver 410 in electronic device 40 that may serve as a reader and atransmitter. This communication may be bidirectional, as indicated bythe arrows shown between packaging 200 and electronic device 40, or maybe in one direction from data chip 214 to transceiver 410. Withreference to packaging 200, with envelope flap panel 202 open a product100 may be revealed within the envelope's cavity (e.g., receivingportion 206). As described, product 100 may be a type of card, forexample a credit card, debit card, gift card, membership card, etc. Thetarget user, for example purchaser of the product 100, then may removeproduct 100 from packaging 200.

As shown in FIG. 5, screen 402 of electronic device 40 may display agraphical user interface 406 when data chip 214 communicates toelectronic device 40 through NFC transceiver 410. Graphical userinterface 406 may include, for example text information about product100, for example a description of the product, serial number oridentification number, or other useful information to the user. In someembodiments, graphical user interface 406 may include an image 408representing the product, as shown in FIG. 5. A user may interact withgraphical user interface 406 by touching, tapping, swiping, etc. onscreen 402. Screen 402 may display other images or information aboutproduct 100, or may virtually zoom-in, zoom-out, translate, or rotatethe image 408 of the product virtually in three dimensions as displayedon screen 402.

Graphical user interface 406 may also include user interface activationelement 404, for example an on-screen button that may be interfaced withby the user.

User interface activation element 404 may execute a function, forexample to initiate activation or authentication of product 100 viaelectronic device 40. In some embodiments, no further interaction by auser would be required to activate their product. From the user'sperspective activation would be completed simply by opening thepackaging and tapping the activate button on their smartphone. In thecase of a non-target user device interacting with package 200, theactivation element 404 may be grayed out, or not available forselection. In some embodiments, graphical user interface 406 may bedifferent, or completely absent if a non-target user device attempts toactivate product 100.

While the figures generally show packaging 200 as an envelopeconfiguration, with activation data chip 214 embedded between panels ofthe envelope, this configuration may take a different form, for exampleas attached to the outside of packaging 200, or embedded in or attachedto a pull-tab, tear-strip, a lid, or other removable or destructiblecomponent of packaging 200. In any event, data chip 214 may power on(such as through a micro battery 224, which may be excluded in a passivechip), or may be activated by the electromagnetic field of theelectronic device 40 or its NFC transceiver 410. In this way—bycontaining a power source and data chip within packaging 200 orutilizing an external electronic device's own energy to power the datachip—instead of integrating a separate power source or data chip on acard product for example, challenges regarding constructing additionalelectronics within the card, including added size and weight from theadditional electronics, etc., may be avoided. In some embodiments, if aseparate power source is included, such as a micro-battery, it maycontain enough energy (i.e., battery life) for an expected duration fromwhen the packaging 200 containing product 100 is shipped to when atarget end-user will open packaging 200 and complete the activationprocess. This is beneficial because it reduces power source complexityand moves relatively large NFC electronics out of a small volumeallowance in a particular product 100, such as a card product, and intoa large allowable volume within packaging.

Turning to FIG. 6, a schematic illustration of packaging 200 andelectronic device 40 is shown, with the packaging 200 being opened andthe electronic device 40 communicating with a server 50, such as anexternal device or network that may include a logistics platform. Insome embodiments, electronic device 40 may communicate with server 50 inorder to carry out an authentication, activation, or other smartpackaging feature. Server 50 may include one or more of a database,server, Internet, network, or cloud-based server features such thatproduct 100 may be authenticated or activated.

As discussed above, data chip 214 broadcasts a signal to electronicdevice 40, e.g., through a transmitter 222. Data chip 214 may bepreprogrammed to begin an activation or authentication process only uponestablishing communication with a particular user's electronic device.In some embodiments, this may be achieved by programming informationinto data chip 214 that may identify electronic information stored inelectronic device 40 correlated with a user's identity. This helpsprevent data chip 214 from initiating an activation process with adevice that does not belong to the particular user for which it isintended. For example, data chip 214 may include an authorized user'suser ID, and may only communicate with an electronic device 40 that hasa matching user ID (e.g., within an operating system of electronicdevice 40). Other software, firmware, hardware, etc. may be used. Insome embodiments, device or user identity may be provided by athird-party source, such as a web-based application accessed onelectronic device 40. In this regard, for data chip 214 to initiateauthentication or activation functions, a user may be required to accesssuch an application in order for device or user identification toproceed.

The packaging is constructed to give a clean, unitary appearance. Thishelps to reinforce its high quality and robust character, and that ofthe product 100. To achieve this appearance, seams, gaps, anddistortions in shape are minimized. The packaging may be a particularcolor, e.g., a brand-identifier color. In some embodiments, visiblesurfaces of packaging may be predominantly white.

Components of the packaging may be formed from one or more blanks. Insome embodiments, the blank is formed of a single continuous substrate,such as, for example cellulose-based material like cardboard orpaperboard. In some embodiments, interior surfaces of the packaging maybe surface treated or coated, for example with a coating to protect thefinished product. Tabs, flaps, and regions without adhesive of the blankare formed such that no adhesive is visible in finished packaging. Insome embodiments, adhesive may be omitted and the various flaps and tabsattached in another suitable manner (e.g., by mechanical interlock orpress fit). Fold lines may be formed, for example, by weakening thesubstrate along the lines, such as by perforation, material crushing,scoring, miter cutting, etc.

In some embodiments, any surface finishing may take place after thecomponents are cut from the blank, or alternatively prior to the blankbeing cut into separate sheets for assembling to a final package.Additionally, some operations may be performed concurrently.

Alternatively, some or all of the components described as being formedof cellulose-based material, such as cellulose fiber material likepaper, may instead be formed of a polymeric material, or coated in amaterial such that they may be laminated together or otherwise adheredto each other. Suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limitedto, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polymerblends including one or more of these polymers, or co-polymers includingone or more of these polymers. All or some of the surfaces of thepackaging may be coated, or laminated, which may increase structuralstrength properties such as rigidity and which may protect a productwithin the packaging, or avoid scratching.

Additionally, the packaging may be manufactured in a cost-effective andenvironmentally-friendly way. In some embodiments, the packagingcomponents may be constructed of a single integrally-formed piece ofmaterial. The single integrally-formed piece of material may be afoldable material that is folded into a configuration that holds andsecures a product, either alone or within a cavity of a packagingcontainer. In some embodiments, the foldable material may be a singlepiece of material that is cut by a single operation (e.g., a singledie-cutting operation). In some embodiments, the foldable material maybe die cut from a stock material (e.g., a sheet or roll of material).Single integrally-formed pieces of material that are cut by a singlecutting operation may facilitate efficient and reproduciblemanufacturing. Moreover, such manufacturing may reduce waste by reducingwaste material during manufacturing.

It is well understood that the use of personally identifiableinformation should follow privacy policies and practices that aregenerally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmentalrequirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular,personally identifiable information data should be managed and handledso as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use,and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specificembodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustrationand description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit theembodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations arepossible in view of the above teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A packaged product, comprising: a product thatrequires authentication or activation for use as intended; and finishedgoods packaging, comprising: a receiving portion; a passive data chip,wherein the passive data chip includes data that is uniquely associatedwith the product and with a target user account; wherein the passivedata chip is configured to initiate an authentication or activationprocess by transmitting the data to a personal mobile device that isassociated with the target user account, upon the data chip beingbrought within range of a data reader of the personal mobile device. 2.The packaged product of claim 1, wherein the data chip is an NFC chip,and wherein the data reader is an NFC reader.
 3. The packaged product ofclaim 1, wherein the data chip is laminated between layers of thefinished goods packaging, and is not visible.
 4. A system comprising:the packaged product of claim 1; and a remote server, wherein the remoteserver is configured to receive second data from the personal mobiledevice, the second data based on the first data, wherein the remoteserver is configured to determine, based on the second data, whether toauthenticate or activate the product, and wherein the remote server isconfigured to send third data to the personal mobile device, the thirddata indicating whether the product was authenticated or activated. 5.Packaging, comprising: a receiving portion configured to receive aproduct; and a passive data chip, wherein when the packaging is broughtwithin range of a target user's personal electronic device the data chipautomatically communicates with the target user's personal electronicdevice to initiate an authentication process or an activation process,and wherein when the packaging is brought near a non-target user'spersonal electronic device, the data chip automatically communicateswith the non-target user's personal electronic device but does notinitiate an authentication process or activation process.
 6. Thepackaging of claim 5, wherein the data chip is preprogrammed to begin anauthentication or activation process only upon communicating with anelectronic device that is associated with a single target user account.7. The packaging of claim 5, wherein the data chip is preprogrammed tobegin an activation process on any electronic device for which a definedcategory of product has been ordered.
 8. The packaging of claim 5,wherein the passive NFC chip is energized by the personal electronicdevice.
 9. The packaging of claim 5, wherein the passive data chip isconfigured as a transmitter only.
 10. Packaging, comprising: a firstpanel; a second panel attached to the first panel; and a passive datachip laminated between the first and second panels, wherein when thepackaging is brought within range of a user's personal electronic devicethe data chip automatically communicates with the user's personalelectronic device to initiate an authentication process or activationprocess.
 11. The packaging of claim 10, further comprising a third paneldisposed between the first panel and the second panel, wherein the thirdpanel includes an opening that surrounds the data chip, therebyproviding a space for the data chip between the top and bottom panel.12. The packaging of claim 11, wherein the third panel comprises anopening shaped to receive a product, wherein the first panel comprises asecond opening shaped to receive the product, the second openingoverlapping the first opening, and wherein the first panel comprises aflap extending over the first opening, the flap configured to retain theproduct.
 13. The packaging of claim 10, wherein the first and secondpanels are part of a finished goods package, the packaging furthercomprising a separate shipping envelope having internal dimensionsmatching external dimensions of the closed finished goods packaging thatthe finished goods package is received in for shipment.
 14. Thepackaging of claim 13, wherein the shipping package prevents the datachip from communicating to an electronic device.
 15. The packaging ofclaim 10, wherein the first second panel extends out from and folds overthe front of the first panel to conceal a product contained within thepackaging from outside view.
 16. The packaging of claim 10, wherein thefirst panel comprises a raised rim disposed around a product-receivingportion of the packaging, the raised rim defining a retaining elementthat is configured to hold a product within the packaging.
 17. Thepackaging of claim 16, wherein the retaining element is bounded in partby an embossed edge defining an aperture, and wherein a surface of thesecond panel is disposed below the retaining element such that theproduct is held between a surface of the second panel and the retainingelement.
 18. A packaging system, comprising: the packaging of claim 10;and a server configured to be in communication with the user's personalelectronic device and to determine whether to authenticate or activate aproduct that is or was contained within the packaging based upon whetherthe user's personal electronic device is associated with a target useraccount.
 19. The packaging system of claim 18, wherein the server isfurther configured to direct a user's personal device to prohibitactivation or authentication if the user's personal electronic device isnot associated with a target user account.
 20. The packaging system ofclaim 18, wherein in response to determining that the user's personalelectronic device is associated with a target user account, the serveris further configured to transmit indication of account authorization tothe user's personal electronic device, and wherein the personalelectronic device begins a graphical user interface authenticationprocess.
 21. The packaging system of claim 18, wherein the server takesno action in response to determining that the user's personal electronicdevice is not associated with a target user account.